The Most Dodgy Insurance Claims of All Time

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Soon - December 7th!

Mark your calendars: Medicare open enrollment, officially called the Annual Election Period, ends in less than two weeks, on December 7!  

Whether you have original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or a prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D, now is the time to make sure you or your loved one has the right plan for the year ahead.

A lot can happen in a year. You may have been diagnosed with a new medical condition, changed medications, or moved. There may also be changes to your Medicare plan. Now is the time to take a close look at your medical needs – including prescription drugs – and make sure you have the Medicare plan that’s best for you.

During Medicare open enrollment, the Annual Election Period, people in Medicare should check their current Medicare plan, and, if necessary, switch to another plan.  For example, a person might change from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare, switch Medicare Advantage plans, or join a prescription drug plan. 

Not sure where to start?  Try following the four “C’s”: coverage, cost, convenience, and customer satisfaction. 

• Coverage: Comparing Medicare plans can be simple.  The official Medicare website has a tool at www.Medicare.go/find-a-plan that helps you compare all of the plans available in your area.  When reviewing plans, focus on the benefits, such as coverage offered while in the prescription drug coverage gap, or “doughnut hole.” Also, find out which drugs are covered.
• Cost:  From year to year, Medicare plan costs may change.  During open enrollment, compare all of the costs, including premiums, deductibles, drug costs, and out-of-pocket maximums.
• Convenience: When it comes to going to doctor’s appointments and filling prescriptions, convenience matters.  When reviewing Medicare plans, find out if access will be available to your doctors, or doctors nearby.  And, check that the local pharmacy accepts the plan, and that the plan provides online prescription-filling or mail-order options.
• Customer service: When comparing plans, take note of Medicare’s star-rating system.  Medicare health and prescription drug plans are rated on how they perform in different categories, such as responsiveness and care, member complaints and customer service.  A plan may rate between one star (“poor”) and five stars (“excellent”).  

After reviewing the four “C’s,” it is time for the “D” – decide.  Keep in mind: Even if your current Medicare plan has worked well, it is wise to evaluate the options since the open enrollment period is the one and only time each year when people in Medicare may switch plans.

For further assistance, contact Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc. right away!  Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc. and its affiliate Senior Choices NW are leaders in the senior benefits market. We specialize in educating seniors of all income levels so you can make informed decisions on your health and financial well-being.  Don't wait, get in touch, we can help! 

www.moderninsurance.com

Prepare Your Business

Tips for Preparing Your Business for Winter Weather

Recently in our MIM blog, we've discussed winterizing your home, but what about your business? Let's not forget to prep the office as well by doing the following...

Outside: 

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. Provide for prompt removal of ice and snow from sidewalks, walkways and steps.  Maintain accessibility to emergency exits, fire hydrants, and fire lanes. Control build-up of icicles and other snow accumulations from overhangs, rain gutters, and overhead fixtures. If not controlled, these accumulations could fall from overhead areas and strike pedestrians/customers. 

Inside:

• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
• Install a programmable thermostat and properly set it to 68 degrees during work hours and to shut off when the building is unoccupied.
• Turn off lights in unoccupied storage rooms, restrooms and meeting rooms. Install motion detectors to do the job for you.  Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR® qualified CFL bulbs.  Turn off overhead lights where natural light shines in.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified computers, monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers and ensure they are properly programmed to “power down” after a period of inactivity. Install smart power strips to prevent mobile phone chargers, laptop adapters, and other office appliances from drawing power when not in use.  Use laptop computers and ink-jet printers, if appropriate. They consume less energy than desktop computers and laser printers.
• Hire a professional to perform scheduled maintenance on heating units and check duct and pipe insulation for damage.

Severe winter weather can affect your business in many ways. Water pipes, process equipment, and other building systems can all fail when the temperature drops below the freezing mark. It is imperative that your business operations do not become interrupted due to bursting pipes, building structural failure, or process shutdowns. Any such interruption could lead to financial difficulties and could affect your business in a negative way for long periods of time.  Winterizing your business may also help you lower your utility bills and save energy.  

Why You Need Travel Insurance

10 Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance

There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling.

To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong.

1. It's 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
2. Your bag was lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
3. Your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
4. You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?
5. If your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?
6. You arrive in Jamaica and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed, who will pay for your necessities? If it's stolen, who will pay to replace it?
7. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
8. You're walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
9. Three weeks before your scheduled arrival, a terrorist incident occurs in the city to which you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?
10. You are at a beach resort in North Carolina, and you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation investment?

In buying travel insurance, you're not only buying something that can assist greatly should you find yourself in need, you're also buying some peace of mind -- both for you, while you travel, but also for your family and friends back home.

For a free quote from Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc., go to...

https://www.sevencorners.com/insurance/roundtrip/HW7C6EP

Turkey Day Trivia

Want to liven up this Thanksgiving dinner? Sharing some interesting, little-known facts is a great way to add fun to the holiday.  Do you know all the answers?  How 'bout Grandma, or Cousin Ralph?  

Was there turkey at the first Thanksgiving?

There is no evidence that turkey was eaten at the first Thanksgiving, a three-day meal shared between the pilgrims and Wamponoag tribe in 1621. It is more likely that they ate venison and a lot of seafood.

Of The Three Utensils We Use To Eat (Fork, Spoon & Knife) Which Was Not Present At The First Thanksgiving Feast?

The fork. What did they use to eat their meal with? A knife, a spoon and their fingers. The fork was not brought by the pilgrims. Governor Winthrop of Massachusetts introduced it 10 years later, but it did not really catch on until the 18th century.

What Is The Relationship Between Frozen T.V. Dinners And Thanksgiving?

Apparently, part of the reason that Swanson started creating T.V. dinners in 1953 was because it needed to find something to do with the massive amount of leftover frozen Thanksgiving turkeys.

Does Turkey Really Make Us Sleepy?

Not really. Trytophan does make us tired and it is in turkey. But more of it can be found in soybeans, parmesan and pork. So what is to blame for the post-meal coma? Well, it could be the quantity of food over-consumed. The huge serving of dessert could have an effect. Or it could be the amount of booze drunk midday.

Do People Consume A Lot Of Booze During This Holiday?

YES! It has been claimed again and again that the night before Thanksgiving is the biggest drinking night of the year -- beating out New Years Eve and St. Patrick's Day. Why? It is the number one evening where people return home and reunite with their high school buddies. Or possibly the anxiety of being surrounded by family drives some to drink.

How Did The Pilgrims Make Their Green Bean Casserole?

They didn't. Green been casserole came into being just 50 some years ago and was created by Campbell's soup. It came about when the company was making new recipes for its annual cookbook. Now, Campbells sells about $20 million worth of cream of mushroom soup, most likely for people to make the casserole.

How Many Turkeys Are Consumed On Thanksgiving?

An estimated 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving (the birds weigh, on average, 16 pounds). That is more than double the amount eaten on Christmas (22 million) and Easter (19 million). In 2010, more than 244 million turkeys were raised and about 226 million of those were consumed in the United States.

Have Turkey, Stuffing And Football Always Gone Hand In Hand?

Not quite. It all started in 1934, when the Detroit Lions was bought by G.A. Richards. Trying to build up the fan base for the team, he scheduled a game for Thanksgiving Day to play the Chicago Bears, who at the time were world champions. The game sold out and was broadcasted live on radio. And with that huge success, the tradition began. Since then, the Detroit Lions have played 67 Thanksgiving games!

How Did The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Begin?

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade began in 1924 with 400 employees marching off from Convent Avenue and 145th Street in New York City. During this time the parade was accompanied not with the oversized ballons of our favorite cartoon characters, but with live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo -- from camels to elephants.

And don't forget to take turns going around the dinner table and sharing what you are all thankful for!  Count your blessing this Thanksgiving and enjoy your friends and family!  Gobble, gobble!

Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving

Have a Happy (and Healthy) Thanksgiving!

While Thanksgiving might be a little more than a week away, you are hopefully thinking about your menu and preparing your grocery list. As you put together the meal, take some time to think about how healthier food choices fit within your plan. With a little know-how, you can satisfy your desire for traditional favorites and still enjoy a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast. After all, being stuffed is a good idea only if you are a turkey!

Here’s what you need to know so that the only thing you’re "adding on" this holiday is joy:

Get Active

Create a calorie deficit by exercising to burn off extra calories before you ever indulge in your favorite foods. 'Eat less and exercise more' is the winning formula to prevent weight gain during the holidays. Take a walk early in the day and then again after dinner. It is a wonderful way for families to get physical activity and enjoy the holiday together.

Eat Breakfast

While you might think it makes sense to save up calories for the big meal, experts say eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast so you won't be starving when you arrive at the gathering.

Lighten Up

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a few dishes to share, make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar, and calories. There is more sugar and fat in most recipes than is needed, and no one will notice the difference if you skim calories by using lower calorie ingredients.

Police Your Portions

Before you fill your plate, survey the buffet table and decide what you're going to choose. Then select reasonable-sized portions of foods you cannot live without. Don't waste your calories on foods that you can have all year long. Fill your plate with small portions of holiday favorites that only come around once a year so you can enjoy desirable, traditional foods. Try to resist the temptation to go back for second helpings.

Slowly Savor

Eating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food, experts say. Choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber add to the feeling of fullness.

Go Easy on Alcohol

Don't forget those alcohol calories that can add up quickly. Have a glass of wine or a wine spritzer and between alcoholic drinks, (or) enjoy sparkling water. This way you stay hydrated, limit alcohol calories, and stay sober.

Be Realistic

The holiday season is a time for celebration. With busy schedules and so many extra temptations, this is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss.

Focus on Family and Friends
Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food. It's a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends. The main event should be family and friends socializing, spending quality time together, not just what is on the buffet.

So from all of us at Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc....

Buyer Beware - Does That Car Have Flood Damage?

Damaged Cars May Soon Arrive on Dealer Lots

If you plan to purchase a used vehicle in the next few months, be sure that you are on the lookout, but unfortunately not just for the big bargains. Instead you will also need to be watching out for the possibility of fraudulent flooded vehicles.

A wave of flood-damaged vehicles from Hurricane Sandy could sweep soon through the national auto market. Damaged cars and trucks from cities and towns affected by the storm are likely to make their way to auto auctions across the country. Once on used-car lots, these vehicles may then be sold at deep discounts relative to the going rates of similar cars, but without any disclosure from sellers about the vehicles’ exposure to the storm, echoing a common practice in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Flood-damaged vehicles can be shipped anywhere for resale, and they often continue to appear in the marketplace for up to a year after a major flood. While it is not illegal to sell a flood-damaged car, it is illegal to not inform the consumer the car was damaged. Sellers cannot misrepresent a vehicle.

The most effective way for a used car buyer to weed out a water-damaged vehicle is to make note of the following...

1. Are there damp or musty odors inside the vehicle?

2. Have the carpet and/or seats been replaced or recently shampooed? Pull back the carpet at different areas and look for mud, dirt or water stains. It is easiest by pulling up the plastic sill plates, that in most cases pull up by hand with no tools required.

3. Look under the car for rust. It is uncommon to find rust in a newer car and in those that are owned or sold in Southern states, where road salt is very uncommon.

4. Open all doors, hood and trunk to inspect for rust, mud and dirt or discoloration of the frames, hinges and under the weather stripping.

5. Pay special attention to tight crevices and, in particular, under the dash for telltale signs of mud.

6. Check all warning lights, window motors and all electrical components to ensure they work properly. While a non-working part alone does not mean the vehicle was flooded, it combined with other problems is a cause for concern and could lead to expensive repairs.

7. Get a CARFAX (www.carfax.com). Always ask for the vehicle history report for any used car you are purchasing! A vehicle history report will tell you if a car has been involved in accidents, but also if the car has been salvaged, potentially from flooding.

8. Always have a car you plan to buy inspected by a mechanic you trust. Nearby locations can be found at AAA.com/Repair. On a garage lift, the car can be inspected more thoroughly. A mechanic can also run diagnostics on the electrical system, where the biggest problems occur on flooded cars.

The risk of buying a flooded car should add an additional layer of scrutiny to what always should be a rigorous process. And if you, as a potential buyer, are at all nervous, and something doesn't feel right, walk away from it. 

Hopefully with these tips and a keen eye, you'll be well-equipped to find the right vehicle for you, and not this one...EEEK!!!

   

Earthquake Insurance - Is it worth it?

To buy or not to buy earthquake insurance?

In light of what has happened on the East Coast as a result of Super Storm Sandy and the recent B.C. quakes, that question for many homeowners is on the front burner again. Whether you live in the city, suburbs or on the coast, it's hard to ignore that gnawing feeling in your gut that not having the insurance could mean big problems in the event of "the Big One."

Earthquake insurance provides coverage if your home is damaged by an earthquake. Your standard homeowner and renters policies will not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance is a separate endorsement you must buy and add to your homeowner or renters policy.

Since many homeowners’ biggest investment is their home, earthquake insurance may help protect that investment. Many homeowners, however, still hold off on purchasing insurance; in Oregon, only 20% of owners with homeowners' policies also have earthquake coverage. Why? Denial.

A few thousand earthquakes occur each year in the United States, according to the Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center. Among natural disasters, earthquakes are the most costly from which to recover. Furthermore, 90% of Americans live in potential earthquake zones. Experts have recorded more than 6,000 earthquakes in Oregon, most too small to feel, since 1841. It's not a matter of if but when we are in for a rather sizeable quake.

An earthquake insurance policy will give you the peace of mind and security you deserve. Contact Modern Insurance Marketing (www.moderninsurance.com) to find out more about what earthquake insurance coverage is available for your property.

  

Honoring All Who Served

A salute to all our Veterans...

November 11 of each year is the day that we should ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in their lives to keep our country free. 

Displaying and offering thanks to our veterans is the best way to honor the sacrifices they have made to protect our country and freedom. 

Display an American flag, attend a parade or thank a veteran for their service.

For a list of local events at which you can honor our nation's heroes, visit the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs website at http://oregondva.com/2012/10/16/2012-statewide-veterans-day-events/.

Are You Prepared?

Get Ready!

The thought of something "disastrous" happening scares us all.  However, the reality is, there is a chance that each of us could be involved in some kind of disaster or emergency.  Services such as water, electric, gas, and telephones may be cut off.  In the event of a large disaster, emergency personnel will be too busy helping those in need of immediate medical and rescue attention, and unable to assist you.

The events of Super Storm Sandy, September 11th, Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Japan have affected us all physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Therefore, preparation for all types of disasters MUST be a fact of life.  Why leave it up to fate and take the chance that you and your loved ones suffer needlessly during and after a disaster?

Having the right supplies on hand is like having a spare tire in the trunk of your car.  You hope not to have a flat tire, but it's nice to know that a spare is there, ready to use, and to keep you going.  Emergency preparedness is essential in this day and age.  
       

BASIC DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. 
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Nobody knows when a disaster might strike, but being prepared beforehand can help you and your family survive safely.  For more information, go to www.ready.gov.